Caregiver Insights Foundation

What is Alzheimer’s Disease? What Happens To The Brain?

Before describing the cause and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to dispel some common myths:

Alzheimer’s Disease is not the only type of memory loss that effects seniors.

Alzheimer’s Disease is not the same as the occasional memory difficulties that accompany the aging process.

Alzheimer’s Disease is not the only type of Dementia that effects seniors over the age of 65.

There is currently no cure for the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s is one of the more common forms of dementia among senior citizens over age 65. Dementia, in and of itself is not a disease but rather a term applied to the set of symptoms that come with the loss of brain cells. A key note about brain cells, is that each brain cell needs other brain cells to live. Brain cells can’t exist in isolation. So as more and more die off, more and more are threatened and eventually, parts of the brain that regulate vital systems for the body shut down. This is why Alzheimer’s is also, a fatal disease. There are 3 huge benchmark stages of Alzheimer’s that start from mild, to moderate, to severe. These broad stages can be expanded further to 7 distinct stages according to Alzheimer’s Association:

Stage 1: No evidence of impairment

Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline

Stage 3: Mild decline

Stage 4: Moderate decline

Stage 5: Moderately severe decline

Stage 6: Severe decline

Stage 7: Very severe decline

Understand Alzheimer’s Dementia
Through Training Videos by Caregivers for Caregivers

Do you know or care for someone with Alzheimer’s? Caregiver Insights Foundation was created to inform and educate caregivers through training videos about Alzheimer’s dementia. Our organization is based in Cortlandt Manor, New York. If you are looking after someone with Alzheimer’s dementia, these resources can help you cope with witnessing this cruel disease. Visit OUR VIDEO SITE to watch our training videos.